Yiorgos Telonis

President,
Hellenic Association of Travel and Tourist Agencies (HATTA)

Philoxenia 2010 greeting.

Philoxenia has contributed to the tourism development of our country over the years and especially has given a nudge to tourism in Northern Greece. This is a reference point for us, an opportunity for the promotion of our tourist product, a meeting place for professionals.

Today it is essential, now more than ever, to adopt a modern, comprehensive and lasting national strategy for the tourism sector. It is our obligation and a necessity for the future of Greek tourism, but also for the economic development of our country.

A modern strategy requires the commitment and consensus of the political and business world, which, with determination and a feeling of responsibility, could form a national framework for our tourism.

Tourism has a single ideology, regardless of governments, policy changes or individuals.

We, the representatives of travel agents, have a large share of responsibility: we are called upon to stand united and contribute constructively towards this direction, for the development and sustainability of our tourism, our national economy, our employment and for the improvement of the quality of our life.

We face the challenge of the new season of 2011. The messages we are receiving from international tourism markets are very encouraging. However, with an aggressive and dynamic targeted policy, we must not only gain lost ground but in the future have only positive results.